Tea Set, 925 Silver Niello — 4-piece, Cup, Tea Strainer & Spoon

A tea ritual is only complete when nothing is missing. This 4-piece tea set made of 925 sterling silver combines a cup, saucer, tea infuser with lid, and spoon into a single idea: tea that brews, stays warm, and is served with dignity. The same large, figurative Niello floral motif from the SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug runs across all four pieces — sunflowers and tendrils, deep black on highly polished silver. A set for people who don't just drink tea casually, but consciously celebrate it.

At a glance

• Set contents: Teacup, saucer, tea infuser with lid, teaspoon
• Material: 925 sterling silver, highly polished, with Niello
• Niello motif: large, figurative floral motif, continuous on all four pieces
• Teacup: 300 ml, height 10 cm, width 12 cm, Ø 8.5 cm, approx. 217 g
• Saucer: Ø 12 cm, approx. 93 g
• Tea infuser with lid: Height 7 cm, Ø 9.6 cm, approx. 160 g
• Teaspoon: Length 14 cm, approx. 25 g
• Total weight of set: approx. 495 g
• Hallmark present
• Gift box included, all four parts packaged together

The tea infuser is the key to this set. It doesn't sit next to the cup, but directly on it: the strainer insert with its ring handle fits precisely onto the rim of the cup and closes it like a lid. The tea brews warmly, no heat is lost, no leaves float freely in the infusion. Once the tea has finished steeping, you remove the strainer insert by the ring and place it on the inverted lid, which then serves as a drip tray. This way, the tea drips off in a controlled manner, not onto the saucer and not onto the table. A closed system, weighing approx. 160 grams and with a diameter of 9.6 cm, which sits stably on the cup and does not slip.

Material and workmanship

The floral motif on this set is one of the largest and most figurative in the SevChern line: broad, space-filling blossoms and curving tendrils that cover the entire band of the cup wall. Not a small, intricate decorative pattern that disappears from a distance, but a design that remains recognizable even from afar. The same motif runs on the lid, the same band frames the saucer — the four pieces visibly belong together. This effect is made possible by Niello, a millennia-old technique: A black alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur is melted into previously hand-engraved depressions, forming a permanent, chemical-physical bond with the silver. No print, no enamel — the black is part of the metal itself. The teaspoon features a single Niello blossom at the end of the handle, in the same design language, smaller in scale, but adhering to the same form. SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia, has been producing Niello silver since 1683. The Niello tradition of this city carries a geographically protected designation of origin, comparable to Champagne from the Champagne region. In 1937, it received a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. Each of the four parts undergoes six production stages: shaping the silver blank, hand-engraving the motif, Niello melting, grinding and exposing the design, final polishing, quality control with hallmarking. The Russian Federal Assay Office confirms the 925 alloy, the manufacturer's mark is present.

Usage and occasions

A complete tea set as a gift says more than a single cup: It shows that someone has put thought into it — not just about the object, but about the ritual behind it. For a wedding, a gift for two who share their morning tea. For an anniversary, a piece that gains character with the years. For Mother's Day or a birthday for someone who values quality over quantity. For collectors of Russian silver art, the complete hallmarking is just as important as the large, figurative motif in the classic SevChern hand-engraving tradition. A cohesive set that would not look out of place in any collection.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Personal engraving is possible upon request, for example on the bottom of the cup or on a less ornamented area — with a date, initials, or a short dedication. If desired, we can also include a SilberVerse card in photo format 15 × 10 cm landscape: individually designed, currently free of charge, a unique item for this special occasion.

Care

The same rule applies to all four parts: hand wash only with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. No dishwasher, no silver dip, no ultrasonic cleaner — these methods attack the Niello inlay. The floral motif is permanently melted in and does not fade; it requires no special care other than avoiding aggressive chemicals. The tea infuser can be simply rinsed with lukewarm water after use. Store dry, ideally in the accompanying gift box. Silver develops a patina with genuine use, which makes the Niello motif stand out even more — this is not a flaw, it is character.

Frequently asked questions

How exactly does the tea infuser work as a lid?
The strainer insert fits onto the rim of the cup and closes it like a lid, so the tea brews warmly and covered. After brewing, you remove the strainer insert and place it on the inverted lid, which serves as a drip tray — a closed, clean system.

Is 300 ml the right size for tea?
Yes, 300 ml corresponds to a classic European teacup size. For comparison: Moka cups hold 80 to 120 ml, cappuccino cups 150 to 200 ml. 300 ml is the size for which most tea recipes and brewing times are designed.

What is Niello, and why does the motif last permanently?
Niello is a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions and permanently bonded with the silver. Not a lacquer, no paint, no print, but part of the metal itself. The motif does not fade and does not wear off.

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